Tenerife: Guided Horseback Riding Tour to the Lomo Forest

A guided horseback ride through the Lomo Forest is interesting because it lets you see Tenerife’s north from on top of a horse, not from a viewpoint. I like the fact that it stays calm and slow, so you can pay attention to the protected park and the horses instead of worrying about speed.

I also love how the experience is run at Finca Estrella with real instruction from Nicole Werner’s team. You’ll get helmets and gloves, plus clear coaching on how to handle your horse for a safe, friendly ride.

One consideration is that this is walk only, and there is a max weight limit of 85 kilos. If you want a faster ride, or you need major mobility support, this may not be the right match for you.

Key things to know before you go

• Walk-only trail makes it ideal for first-timers and kids from 5 years old
• Small group of up to 6 participants means you get more hands-on help
• Horse prep is part of the experience with cleaning and saddling before you ride
• Well-trained, calm horses support a safe step-by-step pace
• Big friendly dogs are on site, so plan for that if you’re nervous around dogs

Why the Lomo Forest ride feels more personal than a quick tour

This horseback tour is built for real beginners. That matters, because many “first time riding” experiences get pushed too fast, or they pretend you’ll handle everything on your own. Here, you’ll be on a calm route in walk, with guidance that keeps the focus on comfort and safety.

The setting also helps. You’re riding through lush, protected nature in Tenerife’s north, so even a slow pace feels worthwhile. And because it’s a small group, the whole experience stays more like a guided morning with a horse routine, not a cattle-car style activity.

I especially like the way the operation starts with care for the horses. People get a helmet and gloves, you get explained what to do, and the team takes time with setup. That gives you confidence before you ever reach the trail.

Your 11:00 arrival at Finca Estrella, and what happens before you ride

You should plan to be at the stable at 11:00. That’s when the activity begins with cleaning, saddling, and the full safety talk, plus helmets. The pace of the day is slow by design, because good first rides start with good preparation.

The schedule runs through the early afternoon, with the trail ride typically starting around 12:00 and ending by about 14:00, then you head back to the stable. It’s not just “show up, then ride.” You’ll feel the structure: explanation first, then horse prep, then the ride.

A detail I appreciate is that you’re not treated like you’re doing a stunt. Even if you’re a complete non-rider, you’ll be coached on how to get comfortable with the horse and how to stay in step. That’s a huge value add, especially if this is your first time in the saddle.

The trail ride itself: a calm walk through Lomo Cuchillo

Once you’re on the trail, you should expect a calm, slow walk. This route is specifically described as a walk-only experience, with no trot and no galopp. That’s not a weakness here, it’s the whole point. If you’re nervous about horses, you’ll likely feel the difference right away.

The ride is designed for non-riders, beginners, and children. The guidance on the ground keeps things controlled, and the horses are used for step-by-step riding. The goal is that you can focus on the views and the nature around you, rather than trying to figure out balance and commands under pressure.

You do need to be sporty and fit enough to ride and manage by yourself. The tour does offer help options, but the standard experience expects you to ride your horse. If you need extra support, you can request paid assistance to have someone walk alongside and help you through it.

Stop-by-stop flow: what happens at each moment of the day

At this tour, the “stops” are really phases of the day, and that’s helpful because you know what you’re walking into.

Stop 1: Finca Estrella (meeting, horse routine, safety briefing)

Arrive on time for the 11:00 start. You’ll start with cleaning, then saddling, and a helmet briefing. This is where you learn how to handle your horse safely.

Stop 2: the Lomo Forest trail ride (start around 12:00)

This is when the ride turns into a true outdoors experience. You’ll be on a calm walk path, guided so you stay safe and in step. If your group includes kids, everyone follows the same walk-only pacing, with options for extra help if needed.

Stop 3: back at Finca Estrella (ending around 14:00, then back to the stable)

After the trail segment, you return to the stable area. You’ll finish the experience right where you started, no extra transfers or complicated drop-offs.

A practical note, based on how the day is run: plan the whole afternoon for the activity window. Even though “the ride time” is about 1.5 hours, the total on-site experience includes preparation and wrap-up.

Who it suits best, and who should skip it

This is a beginner-first tour, and it fits best if you want a safe, controlled ride in nature. It’s suitable for people who can comfortably wear long pants and closed outdoor shoes, and who can ride at least at a walk without needing continuous hands-on support.

The age and fitness guidance is clear. It’s suitable for children from 5 years. Adults are guided toward a max age of 65, and it’s not recommended for people over 70. There’s also a max weight limit of 85 kilos.

It’s not suitable for several groups, including pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and people with epilepsy. It’s also not a fit if you have an animal allergy, or if you’re currently dealing with a cold. Before you book, check these carefully. The ride is calm, but it’s still a real horse experience with animals close by.

If you are afraid of dogs, you should know there are dogs on site. They’re described as friendly but big. If that makes you uneasy, talk with the team ahead of time so you can decide what’s comfortable for you.

Communication rules: you need English, German, or Spanish

This matters more than it seems. The live guide speaks English, German, and Spanish, and the team doesn’t speak French. You may only be taken on the trail ride if you can speak and understand one of those languages.

In practice, this means you should plan to ask any questions clearly at the start, before you move onto the horses. If you’re unsure of your language skills, you’ll likely be happier if you choose another option where interpretation is guaranteed.

The upside is that the instruction tends to be very practical. Once you understand the basics, the walk pace gives you time to settle in and learn without stress.

Getting there: the main road directions that save you time

You’ll meet at Finca Estrella. For arrival by car, the guidance is specific: use the main road in El Amparo, La Vega, Cruz del Camino. Do not take the uphill road called Camino el Lance. It’s described as too hilly, and navigation apps may route you there by mistake.

Parking is also described clearly: park uphill in front of the sign. Because the instructions stress this point, take it seriously. One missed turn can waste your time right when you need to be at 11:00.

If you’re coming from elsewhere on Tenerife, give yourself extra buffer. Horse tours are timed for a reason, and the stable routine starts without delays.

What’s included in the $51 price, and where the cost adds value

At about $51 per person, you get the key parts of a first horse ride done properly: the horse ride itself, an instructor, and a helmet plus gloves. That’s good value because it removes two common frustrations for beginners: not having the right gear and not getting real coaching.

The small group size, limited to 6 participants, also improves value. You get more attention and fewer distractions while you’re learning how to move with your horse. And since the entire trail is walk-only, the team can focus on safety and comfort, not on managing speed or complicated riding skills.

What isn’t included matters too. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll want reliable transport to reach Finca Estrella. Food and drinks are also not included, so bring water and plan for the fact you’ll be on site during the pre-ride and post-ride time.

There are also optional paid support services. For example, leading kids during the trail is listed as 15 EUR extra. Extra help options are also available if you need someone to walk alongside you for added support, again 15 EUR extra.

What to bring and wear, plus the items you must leave behind

This tour runs on nature and horses, so dress for grip and coverage. You’ll want long trousers and closed-toe outdoor shoes. Bring a jacket and comfortable clothes for Tenerife’s weather, and don’t forget water.

You should also expect that the stable and horses require normal hygiene and equipment rules. Helmets and gloves are provided, so you don’t need to source your own. Just wear what lets you move safely during the pre-ride routine.

Not allowed items are clearly listed. Skip high-heeled shoes, sandals or flip-flops. Pets and baby strollers aren’t allowed, and you should not bring swimwear, alcohol, or drugs. Speakers are also listed as not allowed. Keep it simple, keep it practical, and you’ll save yourself stress.

The experience vibe: patient coaching, calm horses, and the real safety focus

This tour is consistently described as beginner-friendly, and the reason seems to be how the team handles the start. You get taught how to handle your horse and you’re not thrown onto a fast trail. The atmosphere is friendly, and the guides take time to explain what to do so you’re not guessing while holding the reins.

Horses are praised for being calm and well cared for. That shows up in how the ride feels: steady steps, controlled pacing, and an overall sense that the team’s priority is safety for both riders and horses. You’ll also see that people are assigned a horse and there’s a chance to clean and familiarize first, which helps first-timers bond faster than you’d expect.

Even the dog presence fits into the “know before you go” theme. If you’re okay around dogs, you’ll likely see them as part of farm life. If you’re not, plan to mention it early.

Should you book the Tenerife Lomo Forest horseback tour?

Book it if you want a safe, walk-only horseback ride in Tenerife’s north, especially if you’re a beginner or you’re riding with kids (from 5 years). The small group size, helmet and glove inclusion, and the calm pace make this a smart first horse experience.

Don’t book it if you’re looking for trot or galopp, or if you’re outside the listed limits, like over 70 years, above 85 kilos, or if any of the health and mobility restrictions apply. Also think twice if you have a strong fear of dogs, since dogs are on site.

If you can handle the language requirement (English, German, or Spanish), and you can get yourself to Finca Estrella by car, this is a solid value way to experience the Lomo Forest on horseback without overcomplicating your day.

FAQ

What time should I arrive for the Tenerife horseback tour?

You should arrive by 11:00. The start includes cleaning, saddling, and helmet time, and the trail ride begins around 12:00.

Is this tour suitable if I’ve never ridden before?

Yes. It’s described as beginner-friendly and suitable for non-riders. The trail ride is only in walk, with no trot or galopp.

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The total activity is about 1.5 hours for the ride portion, and the day runs from the 11:00 start until returning to the stable by around 14:00. Check availability for exact starting times.

What are the age and weight limits?

The guidance says it’s suitable for children from 5 years, and adults up to 65 years. The maximum weight is 85 kilos.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live guide speaks English, German, and Spanish. French is not spoken by the team.

What’s included, and what should I bring?

Included: the horse ride, an instructor, and a helmet and gloves. Bring long trousers, closed-toe outdoor shoes, water, and a jacket or outdoor clothing.

Is hotel pickup included, and can I cancel?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.